New Delhi/Islamabad, Dec 8 : There has been a much furore but mixed reactions from Indian political circle over Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's comment that 26/11 dastardly attack on Mumbai was "an act of terrorism".

Shiv Sena has welcomed Khan's remarks but said the onus is now on Imran Khan to spell out what actions he will take against "the main culprit and conspirator" - Hafiz Saeed. Vocal BJP leader and Union Minister Giriraj Singh told a TV channel: "Pakistan ke sarkar dishonest haen (Pakistan government is dishonest)".

He said: "Otherwise, they should have handed over 26/11 responsible Hafiz Saeed to India. Not once, India has given proof of their role number of times". Vocal Minister's remarks come after Pakistan Prime Minister said in an interview that he has "asked our government to find out the status of the case".

“We also want something done about the bombers of Mumbai. I have asked our government to find out the status of the case. Resolving that case is in our interest because it was an act of terrorism,” Khan said in an interview with 'The Washington Post'.

In a function, Mr Khan also sounded critical of Indian establishment's approach towards Muslims vis-a-vis on the issue of secularism. Reacting to Mr Khan's remarks, Giriraj Singh also said, "Those Muslims who have gone to Pakistan are now living life of second grade citizens in Pakistan. About an estimated 22 Hindus were there in Pakistan during partition, now it is about one per cent only. In India, Muslims were three crores, now they are 30 crores, we gave them respect".

He said Hindu temples were razed down in Pakistan adding "Bharat ke andar lakhon masjidey hae aur log ibadat karte haen (In India, we have lakhs of Masjids and people do offer prayers)". He further said: "From very beginning, India has been a symbol of peace and has tried to maintain peaceful relations with Pakistan".

In this context, he mentioned about several peace initiatives by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee including Bus to Lahore and Agra Summit, but in response came in the 'Kargil conflict'. "Our soldiers and the then leadership upheld country's prestige and Pakistan had to eat humble pie. Now, we have Kartarpur Corridor development which is related to our religious sentiment and they try to push a conspiracy," he told a TV channel critical of Pakistan government's one-upmanship on the issue.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena leader and party spokesman Sanjay Raut said such comments from Pakistan Prime Minister is "surprising and welcoming too".

"At least the Pakistan Prime Minister has finally admitted that the 26/11 attack was done by Pakistani extremists. Now his (Imran Khan's) responsibility has increased," said Mr Raut adding, "Now, he has to openly say that those who are behind them are in Pakistan, particularly Hafiz Saeed".

He said onus is now on Imran Khan to spell out what actions he will take against Hafiz Saeed - "he is the main culprit and conspirator". (UNI)